STOK KANGRI EXPEDITION

Season: June to September
Duration: 08 days trek
Grade: Modrate to Strenious

A wonderful opportunity to explore the Buddhist Ladakh region of North India and attempt a 6000m trekking peak.
Culturally Ladakh is part of the former Guge kingdom of Western Tibet and still has strong affinities with Buddhist culture - monasteries, chortens and prayer flags fill the stark and startling landscape. The mountain scenery is equally dominant, this region being known as the Trans -Himalaya, with innumerable 6000m peaks sandwiched between the Great Himalayan Range and the Tibetan Plateau. This is high altitude desert, beyond the influence of the Indian monsoon. The winters are long and cold with temperatures reaching -40 deg C; the summers hot and rainless, save for the occasional storm bringing snow to the mountains. The region was virtually self -sufficient until about 25 years ago when new air and road connections brought in tourists and money. Leh, the ancient capital, has naturally changed the most although the legacy of its isolated past is still very apparent. In many of the outlying villages and settlements little has changed and the barley crop is still the fulcrum around which life revolves. To the south of Leh and high above the Indus Valley stands the 6000m peak of Stok Kangri. This short but adventurous trek takes us into the heart the Trans -Himalaya for an attempt on this non-technical trekking peak. Our route is challenging but not difficult and there is plenty of time to acclimatise in and around Leh and on the walk in. The peak is entirely optional and there are many excellent walks from the base camp with equally rewarding views. In our view, this is the perfect first 6000m peak for the enthusiastic walker with experience at higher altitude.

Day 01: Arrive New Delhi
Assite upon arrival to hotel

Day 02: Delhi Sight Seeing
Local Sight Seeing. Overnight in hotel

Day 03: Fly Delhi to Leh
Spectacular early morning flight to Leh; afternoon at leisure to acclimatise and to explore this ancient capital of Ladakh. Hotel

Days 04/ 05: Two fascinating days exploring the cultural history and landscape in and around Leh.
We visit nearby monasteries and include some short walks to continue acclimatisation. We include Tikse and Shey Gompas, Hemis and Leh Palace in our travels. Hotel

Day 06: Drive Leh to Martselang Trek to Shang Sumdo
above the Indus River for the start of our trek. The trail takes us through a gorge then climbs steadily. We camp near the traditional village of Shang. Camping.

Day 07: Shang Sumdo to Shang Phu
A good day of walking through traditional the Ladakhi landscapes of the upper Shang valley.
Camping.

Day 08: Shang Phu to Shang La Base
A tougher days as we ascend the pass of Shang La (4968m). with views of Stok and Matho peaks in front and Parcha Kangri behind. We camp at Gangpoche(4545m). Camping.

Day 09: Shang La Base to Gangpoche
from Base it is downhill walk and after crossing small streams we will reach at the camp site of Gangpoche. With an optional afternoon hike along the slopes of the Kangri massif to altitudes of 5800m. Views of the Karakoram and distant Tibetan plateau. Camping.

Day 10: Gangpoche to Stok Kangri Base Camp
Stok Kangri peak looms ahead. We camp in a basin with views of Gulep Kangri. Camping.

Day 11: Rest Day
in preparation for the summit tomorrow. The more energetic can attempt some of the nearby ridges or you can simple relax at the campsite. Camping.

Day 12: Summit Day
This is a long day (at least 12 hours and we begin before dawn. The ascent is non-technical but does involve an exposed ridge and some snow. From the summit of Stok Kangri (6114m) a panorama of Himalaya extends in every direction - the Great Himalaya, the Ladakhi range, the Karakoram and the distant Tibetan Plateau. For those not wishing to attempt the peak there are plenty of good walks with excellent views around the base camp. Camping.

Day 13: Stok Kangri Base to Stok Village, drive to Leh
returning down the Stok Valley to Stok and our return transport to Leh. Hotel.

Day 14: At Leisure in Leh
Optional jeep trip to Khardong La (5602m) the highest motorable road in the world. (Note: this day may on rare occasions be needed during the trek if weather conditions delay the ascent). Hotel.

Day 15: Fly Leh - Delhi
If the flight is delayed for weather reasons we have a day in hand. Sightseeing or at leisure in Delhi in the afternoon. Hotel

Day 16: Departure Home
Late afternoon departure for the airport.